Officials: NRCC Treasurer Diverted Up to $1 Million
Officials say a treasurer for the National Republican Congressional Committee has diverted at least several hundred thousand dollars and perhaps as much as $1 million from the NRCC into his own personal and business accounts, through claimed fraudulent wire transfers and falsified bookkeeping.
Although suspicion of financial irregularities at the NRCC previously had been reported, today’s announcement is the first time a loss has been confirmed and a suspect has been identified, according to the Washington Post (reg. req.). It says the claimed diversion of funds, if proven, could be one of the biggest campaign-fund frauds in recent history.
“The evidence we have today indicated we have been deceived and betrayed for a number of years by a highly respected and trusted individual,” says Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), the chairman of the NRCC.
The treasurer accused of taking the money, Christopher Ward, is no longer with the committee.
Earlier coverage:
Washington Post: “House GOP Confronts ‘Irregularities’ “
